Annual Closing of Canadian Coast Guard Seasonal Search and Rescue Stations in Ontario

SARNIA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 26, 2014) - The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) advises the public that our seasonally operated Search and Rescue stations located on the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay and St. Lawrence River in Ontario are winding down their annual operations. On November 24, 2014 the Search and Rescue Station in Thunder Bay Ontario closed for the season. Other stations at Tobermory, Goderich, Kingston, Cobourg, Port Weller, Port Dover, Amherstburg, and Meaford will close over the next two weeks depending on weather conditions.

These Ontario stations will reopen in April 2015.

CCG rescue boats are designed for open-water use and cannot be operated in ice-infested waters. During this time, winter search and rescue operations will be carried out by the Canadian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard using icebreakers and may call upon other available vessels in the area to assist if required. Aircraft from the Department of National Defence and the United States Coast Guard may also be involved in search and rescue operations, as necessary.

Marine emergencies can be called into the 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Toll-free (within Canada) at 1-800-267-7270, or via marine VHF radio - channel 16. For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.